{"id":128105,"date":"2026-02-09T22:36:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T22:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/128105\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T22:36:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T22:36:09","slug":"inside-the-rituals-of-pugsley-pizza-in-the-bronx-bronx-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/128105\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside the rituals of Pugsley Pizza in the Bronx \u2013 Bronx Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Screenshot\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Salvatore Natale shows how to make a good pizza.\n<\/p>\n

Photo by Bridgette Leahy <\/p>\n

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National Pizza Day grants a unique opportunity to explore the distinctive traditions of Pugsley Pizza. As soon as customers enter Pugsley, they are greeted by the sound of the gong \u2014 one of the restaurant\u2019s most symbolic elements.<\/p>\n

Salvatore Natale, the owner of Pugsley for more than 30 years, says the Pugsley experience is like \u201cyour associating something subconsciously that you really want in life with the sound of the gong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo when you think about the gong, you think about what you want to achieve,\u201d Natale said.\u00a0 \u201cLater in life, based on what you wished, you will know whether you achieved it, whether you gave up, or whether you are still striving for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"The famous Gong Pugsley has made a tradition to hit. Photo by Bridgette Leahy<\/p>\n

At Pugsley, striking the gong serves as an essential ritual. It represents the passage of life for regulars. Customers are asked to affirm their dreams as they hit the gong.<\/p>\n

The gong ritual not only creates a personal connection between customers and the restaurant but also serves as a symbolic way to foster a sense of belonging and collective identity. Pugsley\u2019s can be felt, integrating personal stories and memories\u2014a lasting imprint in the space.<\/p>\n

Natale immigrated from Sicily in 1967. After more than 50 years in the United States, his expertise in Italian food comes from an unexpected place, music.
\n\"\"Salvatore Natale, Owner of Pugsley Pizza for more than 30 years still playing saxophone for regular customers. Photo by Bridgette Leahy\n<\/p>\n

Originally a saxophonist in a band, Natale was inspired by a drummer who also made pizza.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up in Sicily and had a dream of playing the tenor saxophone in America,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no plan to make pizza. I first started in Germany, played rock and roll for three years, and then in 1969, Woodstock brought me on tour in New York City.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

It was there that Natale discovered his passion for the American Dream.\n<\/p>\n

After moving to the United States, Sal decided to open his own business. \u201cOn 194th Street and Briggs Avenue, the first Pugsley opened, but it was tiny,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen people came in after the bars, I wanted something bigger. I wanted a place for college kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"The first Pugsley\u2019s on 194th street and Bricks. Photo by Bridgette Leahy<\/p>\n

Natale said he envisioned opening Pugsley in 1985. The restaurant\u2019s walls display photographs and artwork honoring the people who have made a difference in its history.<\/p>\n

One phrase stands out throughout the space \u2013 \u201cIl fiore ha bisogno di acqua e di sole\u201d \u2014 \u201cThe flower needs water and sunshine.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Pugsley\u2019s preserves its Italian heritage through walls decorated with bright artwork that reflects Italian traditions and values.\n<\/p>\n

This visual celebration honors Natale\u2019s Sicilian roots while building a warm, hospitable atmosphere. The warm aura customers experience is defined by this intentional display of cultural identity, inviting them to connect with Italy\u2019s spirit.<\/p>\n

Natale says his philosophy on making pizza is \u201cstart with a good product, good ingredients, and let your passion. You do need a recipe, just be hungry.\u201d
\n\"\"Owner makes pizza in time for Valentine\u2019s. Photo by Bridgette Leahy\n<\/p>\n

A significant influence on Natale\u2019s cooking was his mother, who taught him how to make homemade dough.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe temperature, the flour, and the amount of yeast all matter,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is important to make the pizza a little sour.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

When customers leave Pugsley, Natale hopes they carry a certain feeling with them. He said he wants people to think he is \u201ccrazy,\u201d in a positive way \u2014 communicating without words. He believes sincerity draws people back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe yourself, respect the person and their space, and you can do whatever you want,\u201d Natale said.\n<\/p>\n

His philosophy shapes the entire Pugsley experience, reinforcing the restaurant\u2019s unique cultural traditions and its role as a site for meaningful connections.\n<\/p>\n

By prioritizing authenticity, Sal demonstrates how the rituals create a strong sense of belonging. Pugsley stands as a testament to how historical spaces can foster lasting friendships and become third-spaces in their communities.<\/p>\n

Bridgette Leahy is an intern at the Bronx Times. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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